The ABA Litigation Section’s Women in Litigation Joint CLE Conference is coming to San Diego November 1-3. If you’ve never attended—you are missing out. The conference focuses on women litigators and judges and helps women develop relationships, find mentors, learn from others, and share experiences in a welcoming and insightful environment. You will find like-minded women and guidance, learn how to create valuable business relationships and friendships, hear how others have created their own brand, and learn to balance work and life.Guests Amy Stewart and Heather White are highly successful litigators who have made their own way as women and as attorneys. They’ve learned the value of authenticity, real friendships, asking for help when they need it, and offering a hand when it’s needed. Believe it or not, who you know is as important as what you know. Relationships and reputations are part of the practice of law—they drive your career forward.Also in this episode, guest M.C. Sungaila, one of the conference organizers, provides highlights from the conference and what you can look forward to!Mentioned in this Episode:ABA, Women In Litigation Joint CLE ConferenceABA Corporate CounselABA DEI: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion American Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation Section

Guest Melissa Felder Zappala is a litigator with the Washington, D.C., office of Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP. She has had tremendous success litigating high profile, tech-related, commercial cases and class action suits. She also has a profound hearing disability. In this episode, Melissa describes her experiences as a hearing-impaired law student and, later, as a litigator. Are you prepared as a litigator to work with counsel with unique needs? Being aware of our differences, along with disclosure and clear communication, are key when working with those with hearing loss. Being clear, concise, and direct can go a long way. Learn how technology, reasonable accommodation, understanding, and collaboration can ensure a level playing field for everyone.Mentioned in this Episode:“Melissa Felder Zappala Publishes Essay on Coming to Terms With Being Deaf in Big Law in ABA’s Litigation Journal,” by Melissa Felder ZappalaAmerican Bar AssociationAmerican Bar Association Litigation Section

Focus groups are common in marketing, but they also can help a lawyer learn what resonates with nonlawyers before presenting a client’s case before a jury. Focus groups, in their simplest form, offer a “test run” for issues and strategies you are considering using in pretrial and trial matters, and will let you know if you are building the best strategy and communicating your legal arguments in a way that is understood. You can even use them to evaluate whether your expert witness is likeable and communicates well. Don’t wait until your client’s fate is on the line! In this episode, guest Ken Levinson, a focus group expert and successful personal injury lawyer, gives advice on how attorneys can incorporate focus groups into their trial preparations.

Law schools do an excellent job teaching the law, but does anyone teach new lawyers how to communicate and develop positive, productive relationships? Most lawyers graduate with a solid grasp of the law, but many have never learned how to work with clients, colleagues, judges, opposing counsel, and the community at large. Effective communication and relationship development are at the heart of every litigation practice. Communication builds strong cases, establishes rapport with clients and colleagues, and helps litigators explain complicated issues to juries. Guest Nan Joesten, a former corporate executive and litigator and founder of Rapid Evolution LLC, is dedicated to helping attorneys and executives build communication and relationship skills. In this episode, we discuss key elements for communication; strategies to use in the courtroom and in our practices; and tips to help us listen, communicate, connect, get involved, and build a reputation. Hear Nan’s real-world insights and actionable tips--don’t wait to become a better communicator!Stay tuned for our “Quick Tips” segment on mediation at the end of this episode.

Welcome to the latest episode of Litigation Radio, where we explore the intersection of business, marketing, and personal growth. We are joined by special guest Steve Fretzin, a highly sought-after business coach and author of The Ambitious Attorney: Your Guide to Doubling or Even Tripling Your Book of Business. Discover the importance of building a strong network and leveraging it for business development. We also delve into strategies for managing your time effectively and achieving your goals while maintaining control and freedom in your personal and professional life. Steve discusses why lawyers should focus on building a book of business and how to create a business development plan that resonates with potential clients. Join us as we explore the keys to success in business, marketing, and personal growth, and learn how to build a fulfilling and rewarding career while living a balanced and fulfilling life.

Becoming a lawyer in the United States is a complicated process, particularly for foreign trained attorneys or international students. In this episode, we are joined by Edzyl Magante, who shares his journey of taking the bar exam in the US, as well as the challenges and barriers he faced as an international lawyer. Throughout the conversation, Edzyl shares valuable insights and advice for foreign-trained lawyers.We also discuss the differences in law school education between the US and other countries, including the structure and curriculum, and how these differences can impact the bar exam preparation for international lawyers.

Class action spending has increased for eight consecutive years and is expected to be one of the fastest-growing areas of legal spending in 2023. Join us in this episode as we dive into best practices for reducing cost and managing risk in class action litigation based on comprehensive analysis of historical trends and emerging issues in class action litigation. Guest Jack Clabby, Shareholder at Carlton Fields, LLP, unpacks the strategies and tactics that companies are using to reduce costs and manage risk in class action litigation. 

Whether you're a young lawyer just starting out or a seasoned veteran looking to take your career to the next level, mentorship is crucial for lawyers at all stages of their careers; but finding and fostering a strong mentor-mentee relationship can be challenging. In this episode, we explore the importance of mentorship in the legal profession and discuss the obstacles that can make it difficult to establish and maintain these vital connections. We also discuss the benefits of mentoring for both personal and professional growth, as well as strategies for how to establish and maintain these relationships.For this engaging and informative discussion, we welcome the Chief Legal Officer of Prudential Financial, Lisa Wolmart. 

From Orangeburg to Ahmaud, host Dave Scriven-Young welcomes Bakari Sellers to discuss civil rights in the United States, then and now. Later, Henry R. Chalmers joins to talk about what you can expect at the ABA Litigation Section’s Annual Conference. This year’s conference offers a unique opportunity to learn from and interact with other top litigators and judges, earn CLE credit, incredible networking to elevate your professional profile, and so much more.For more information or to register for the 2023 Litigation Section Annual Conference in Atlanta, GA, visit: https://web.cvent.com/event/8685e27b-ea2a-47fc-b24e-14d68677aa78/summary.

More and more legal professionals are becoming familiar with blockchain technology, whether in advising clients on the legal implications of potential blockchain initiatives, dealing with an evolving regulatory landscape, or handling disputes involving blockchain-based technologies and assets. There are many powerful and exciting use cases for blockchain technology and cryptocurrency, but there are also legal and other challenges.In this episode, we’ll examine what blockchain technology is, what legal professionals need to know about it, and we’ll take a look at some of the legal hurdles blockchain and crypto projects have to overcome. Usman Sheikh, Chair of the Blockchain & Fintech Practice and Transactional Partner in Baker McKenzie's Toronto office, joins us to cover some of these issues and provide some insight. In this Episode: A description of blockchain technology How blockchain works The legal challenges facing blockchain Privacy and regulatory issues What legal professionals need to know about blockchain technology